Supermarket Safari: The Complete Guide to Grocery Store Tourism in 2026

It’s a lasting trend, not a passing fad. According to Expedia’s Unpack ’25 report, 39% of travelers plan a supermarket stop abroad, and 44% actively seek out local products unavailable at home. Hilton’s 2026 report confirms that 77% of travelers already engage in this form of tourism. It reflects a fundamental shift in how people travel: toward authenticity rather than mass-market attractions.

This is one of its most appealing aspects: grocery store tourism is a cultural experience with no admission fee or reservation required. A budget of $5–20 per day is enough in most destinations (Thailand: from $2, Japan: $5–25, Spain: $5–20). Only luxury grocers like Erewhon (USA) or Fortnum & Mason (UK) call for a bigger spend ($20–60 / $15–50).

According to The Bucket List Company, the must-visits are: Japan (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Aeon), South Korea (Emart), Italy (Esselunga, COOP, Peck), Spain (Mercadona), the UK (Fortnum & Mason, M&S), and the United States (Erewhon, Trader Joe’s). Indoor markets like La Boqueria in Barcelona and Moroccan souks round out the list for a more traditional food tourism experience.

« Snack haul » videos and local product discovery clips shared on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have become powerful forms of destination storytelling. TikTok searches for food experiences in Tokyo, Seoul, and Paris have surged by 5,000%, and over 70% of TikTok’s European audience is likely to book a vacation based on platform recommendations.

The impact is real, especially in Spain where « sandwich tourism » is making headlines: traditional restaurants are feeling the effects as tourists opt for supermarket meals amid rising dining prices. However, most experts view these two modes of eating as complementary rather than competing — a supermarket lunch can fund a restaurant dinner.

Absolutely — and it’s highly recommended. Supermarket tourism isn’t about replacing museums or landmarks: it’s about slowing down, observing daily life, and understanding a place through the routines of its residents. Plan 1–2 hours per visit and weave them naturally into your days: a market in the morning, a museum in the afternoon, a konbini in the evening.

A bag of shrimp chips, a perfectly wrapped onigiri, a tin of Portuguese sardines — for many travelers, these purchases become cultural souvenirs in their own right. Top picks include: limited-edition Japanese KitKats, New Zealand Manuka honey, Mexican Valentina hot sauce, Fortnum & Mason teas, Moroccan souk spices, and Italian Baci chocolates. They’re often more authentic — and far cheaper — than traditional tourist souvenirs.

Yes, and their numbers are growing fast. In Japan, tour operator byFood has created experiences entirely centered on konbini culture. Sherpa Food Tours, operating in London, Buenos Aires, Mexico, and Amsterdam, reports a 35% increase in bookings — with 90% of their clients citing food experiences as their primary motivation. Local guides also offer « food tours » that include indoor markets and supermarkets on platforms like GetYourGuide and Airbnb Experiences.